A mid 1800's boxwood teachers clicker. This antique treen dame school clicker is usually known as a cricket or snapper. These were used to catch the attention of inattentive pupils. Applied pressure and quick release of the trigger produces a click. As seen in Pintos book. This is an earlier example where the trigger is held to the head by a leather/gut loop, later ones were spring loaded. c1810.
It measures  18.5cm l x 3.5cm w at its widest point.
It has a very nice colour and patina.
C1830